A study of HIV seroprevalence in a group of homeless youth in Hollywood, California.

The objective of this descriptive-exploratory study was to examine the HIV seroprevalence rate among a sample of homeless youth in Hollywood, California. A total of 96 respondents (age 14-24) were administered a questionnaire and had their blood drawn to test for the presence of HIV antibodies, during nightly street outreach activities conducted by Covenant House California. The HIV seroprevalence rate was 11.5% for the sample. Chi-square analysis showed strong correlation between HIV status and sexual risk behavior but not for HIV status and drug-related risk behavior.